Flamengo is in the final of the 2025 Club World Cup by beating Pyramids and faces PSG on Wednesday by FIFA

Flamengo qualified for the FIFA 2025 Copa Intercontinental final by beating Pyramids FC 2-0 this Saturday, at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar. The goals were scored by Léo Pereira, in the first half, and Danilo, in the second, both in aerial ball plays with assists from Giorgian and Arrascaeta. The match defined the winner of Copa Challenger, and Rubro-Negro will now face Paris Saint-Germain in the decision scheduled for next Wednesday, December 17th, at the same location.

The Brazilian team dominated the actions from the beginning, with greater possession of the ball and constant offensive pressure. Pyramids adopted a more defensive posture, looking for counterattacks, but were unable to create enough clear chances to threaten the goal defended by Agustín Rossi. Coach Filipe Luís selected the team with tactical variations that explored the flanks and aerial plays well.

With this victory, Flamengo maintains its unbeaten record in the competition and seeks the world title after recent achievements in Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro. The clash against PSG represents an opportunity for a historic revenge for the Rio club in intercontinental competitions.

Flamengo’s performance in the match

Flamengo controlled the game with superior ball possession and precise finishing in decisive moments. Léo Pereira opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of the first half, taking advantage of a free kick from Arrascaeta to head into the corner. The red and black defense neutralized the attempts of Pyramids, who had difficulty overcoming the marking.

In the second half, Danilo expanded in the 6th minute with another aerial play, again with assistance from Uruguayan Arrascaeta. Substituições as well as the entries of Bruno Henrique and Ayrton Lucas maintained the team’s intense pace.

• Ball possession: Flamengo recorded around 54% against 19% for Pyramids in contested periods.
• Finishing: Rubro-Negro had more shots on goal, with efficiency in set pieces.
• Cards: Pyramids received yellow cards for players like Marei and Atef for tactical fouls.

Goals and decisive moments

Léo Pereira scored the first goal with a precise header after a well-executed free kick by Arrascaeta in the small area. The defender was unmarked and finished in the corner, with no chance for the goalkeeper Ahmed El Shenawy. Esse move defined the panorama of the first half, where Flamengo paced the game.

Danilo expanded at the beginning of the second half with another header, running alone to the second post with another free kick taken by the Uruguayan midfielder. Pyramids tried to react with exchanges of passes in attack, but Rossi made important saves on shots from Mayele and Ziko.

The Egyptian team pressed in the final minutes, but the Brazilian defense cut off shots and avoided penalties claimed by their opponents. Arrascaeta was a key player in the assists and dribbles that opened up space.

Pyramids strategy and reaction

Pyramids entered with a defensive formation, prioritizing retreat and quick counterattacks with Mayele in front. The African team exchanged passes in the middle, but lacked precision in finishing, such as a shot from Ziko that was saved by Rossi. Substituições as inputs from Fathi and Reda sought more offensive volume.

Despite the reactive stance, the Egyptian team created chances from dead balls and long throws. Zalaka and Touré attempted infiltrations, but the marking of Pulgar and Jorginho prevented advances. Coach Krunoslav Jurčić adjusted the midfield, but did not prevent Brazilian superiority.

Pyramids, champion of CAF Champions League, showed tactical organization, but was unable to balance the aerial actions. Jogadores like Chibi and Hamdi supported the attack, but without converting into goals.

Path from Flamengo to classification

Flamengo reached the semi-final after beating Cruz Azul 2-1 in Dérbi of Américas, with goals from similar set pieces. The team maintained the main cast, with Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique as creative highlights. Preparation included quick post-Libertadores recovery.

In the competition, Rubro-Negro demonstrated defensive solidity with Léo Pereira and Danilo forming an efficient duo. Rossi contributed crucial saves, while the midfield controlled the tempo.

This victory reinforces the undefeated campaign and positions the team as favorites against Europeans in recent decisions.

Details of the final against PSG

The decision takes place on December 17th, at 2pm (Brasília time), in Estádio Ahmad bin Ali. PSG, UEFA Champions League champion, enters directly into the final due to the format of the competition. The clash brings together continental champions in search of the intercontinental title.

Flamengo seeks a second world championship, considering past achievements recognized by FIFA. The Brazilian team faces an opponent with stars such as fast attackers and creative midfield.

• Date: December 17th.
• Location: Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Catar.
• Time: 2pm (Brasília) or corresponding local time at Catar.

Preparation and main lineups

Filipe Luís used a 4-2-3-1 formation with Rossi in goal, Varela, Danilo, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro in defense. Pulgar and Jorginho anchored the midfield, while Arrascaeta, Carrascal and Plata supported the attack with Everton Cebolinha and Bruno Henrique. Substituições refreshed the team in the second half.

The Pyramids aligned El Shenawy; Chibi, Marei, Samy and Hamdi; Lasheen and Touré; with Ziko, Atef and Hafez in the middle, Mayele in front. Mudanças included Zalaka and Reda for more aggression.

Both teams prioritized tactical balance on a neutral field.

Context of Copa Intercontinental 2025

The competition replaces the old format of the annual Mundial of Clubes, with stages such as Dérbi of Américas and Copa Challenger. Flamengo represented Conmebol as champion of Libertadores, overcoming preliminary stages. Pyramids advanced as African winners after eliminating Asian and Oceanic opponents.

The tournament takes place at Catar with games in modern stadiums. The final crowns the champion between the winner of Challenger and the European.

This edition brings together champions from all confederations in a progressive knockout system.